Table 3 Studies that have evaluated the association between harvest site and human ADSCs and adipocyte functionality (ordered by sample size)

Small et al. 2014 [123]

2

73

Fat transfer to reconstructed breasts

Two donor sites: abdomen and thighs

Measured pre- and post-operative 3D scans to assess volumetric changes. No statistically significant difference between donor sites

Lim et al. 2012 [124]

2

27

Patients with craniofacial microsomia, Treacher Collins syndrome

Two groups: abdomen and non-abdominal sites

Measured 2D analysis using pre-op and post-op photographs. Adipose tissue from abdominal or non-abdominal sources equally corrected asymmetry

Padoin et al. 2008 [32]

2

25

Liposuction aspirate

Six donor sites: upper abdomen, lower abdomen, knee, inner thigh, flank and trochanteric region

The cell concentration in lower abdomen and inner thigh was statistically higher than in other areas

Geissler et al. 2014 [27]

2

24

Liposuction aspirate

Three donor sites: lower abdomen, thigh and flank

In younger patients, adipocyte viability was greater in the lower abdomen than in the flank; in older patients, this difference was not seen. Higher viability of flank adipocytes in the older group compared with younger group

Jurgens et al. 2008 [64]

2

22

Liposuction aspirate

Two donor sites: abdomen and hip/thigh

ADSC yield significantly higher from abdominal aspirate

No statistical difference in absolute number of nucleated cells and differentiation capacity

Rohrich et al. 2004 [67]

2

5

Liposuction aspirate

Three donor sites: knee, flank and abdomen

No statistical difference in viability

Choudhery et al. 2014 [120]

2

3

Liposuction aspirate

Five donor sites: abdomen, flank, thigh, scarpas fascia, submental jowl

No statistical difference in proliferation

Di Taranto et al. 2015 [125]

2

1

Liposuction aspirate

Superficial versus deep abdominal fat

Superficial fat increased differentiation capacity

Ullmann et al. 2005 [68]

2

45 nude mice (15 in 3 groups)

Fat from one woman injected into 3 groups with 15 nude mice each

Three donor sites: abdomen, breast and thigh

Fat compared for viability and volume retention showing no statistical difference

Li et al. 2013 [66]

2

30 nude mice (6 in 5 groups)

Fat from six women injected into nude mice

Five donor sites: flank, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, medial thigh, lateral thigh viability

.

Cell count and assay by flow cytometry and graft evaluation at 12 weeks post-transplantation and showed no statistical difference